Senior Flight Test Technician
Akron, Ohio
Engineering – Software, Controls, and Electrical /
Full-time /
On-site
LTA Research and Exploration has an opening for a motivated Senior Flight Test Technician to join our GNC (Guidance, Navigation and Control) team and build and improve ‘lighter than air’ flight vehicles. You will work within a dynamic team to conceptualize, rapidly prototype, test and implement innovative solutions for the design, fabrication and maintenance of large experimental flight vehicles. We believe in fast-cycle development and approach to flight hardware development with the motto "build a little, test a little, learn a lot". This unique position allows for hands-on participation through all phases of development, from concept to flight of an experimental aerospace vehicle.
We are seeking a high energy, passionate technician to help improve existing test environments such as a Hardware in the loop (HIL) lab as well as a lighter than air flight subscale model.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Assist in coordinating, planning, and performing systems integration activities on the flight vehicle.
- Ensuring all work is conducted in accordance with engineering data, manufacturer’s publications, and FAA guidelines.
- Collaborating with engineering during troubleshooting, system integrations, initial systems checks, and flight operations
- Support subscale model development and testing.
- Support analysis of flight data and flight test activities.
- Support Flight test engineer with tracking and documenting all physical changes to subscale model and hardware in the loop environments.
- Fabricating high quality, high-reliability wire harnesses and electro-mechanical assemblies.
- - Reading, interpreting, and working from drawings and controlled documentation including wiring diagrams, layout drawings, and mechanical drawings.
- Managing spare parts, consumable inventories, and tool control.
- Perform maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical parts of the experimental setups and environments.
- Maintaining all subscale model maintenance equipment.
- Running well defined software scripts and tests on lab setups. This does not necessarily require the development or troubleshooting of the software.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in the equipment and lab setup repair field with a concentration on R&D flight vehicles
- Experience in engineering tech
- Building, repairing, and troubleshooting experience on electrical wiring harnesses and mechanical setups
- Proficient in using tools such as multimeters, soldering irons, crimpers, high voltage testers, calibrated tools, calipers, micrometers, torque wrenches, and other hand tools
- Familiarity with Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Sheets) and other basic technology
- Self-starter
Desired Additional Skills:
- Basic read/write abilities in software such as Python or C/C++
- Labview experience
- Experience in building/supporting/maintaining a flight (subscale) model
- Experience with RC Planes
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs
- Ability to work outside in various weather conditions/ at a broad range of temperatures
- Ability to work in confined spaces
What We Offer!
- Relocation assistance
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
- Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
- Parental leave
- Generous PTO + 11 paid holidays
- 401(k) matching up to 6%
- Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
- Monthly wellness stipend
- Monthly cell phone stipend
- Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
- Mental health benefit
- Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
$30 - $33 an hour
The base range for this role is $30-33/hr, which is determined based on experience, geography, and qualifications. The base salary is one component of the total compensation package, which includes a very competitive annual bonus, 401K Match, and other generous benefits. While we believe competitive compensation is a critical aspect of your decision to join us, we do hope you also spend time considering why our mission and culture are right for you.
LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.
Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
